I think you capture an essential truth Wreader. Our expectations have changed. What our grandparents likely saw as simply something to be accepted we today cry out for something to be done.

Is that good? Bad? Probably a mix.

Certainly it is good for a human being to be able to enjoy an active life for all the years available to them.

Certainly it is not good when the cost to society exceed its ability to pay, and that thus actual payment is differed to future generations who will have their own expenses to deal with.

I recently had shoulder surgery. It, along with 3 months away from my work responsibilities, was paid for by workers comp. The accident happened on the job. What was that "accident?"

A co-worker had left a large window open over the weekend. He had jammed something in to hold it open. I, coming in early and being able to see my breath (this was this past November), went to lower the window which unbeknown to me had a broken sash weight. Down it came. I tried to stop it. Badly damaged my rotator cuff in the process.

I'm 64. Would that have happened to a younger worker? I doubt it. So the cost to the institution for having me, an older worker, doing something that, well, happens from time to time, was huge.

I'm glad I had the surgery. I'm glad the institution picked up the bill because I most certainly could not have. But still I question how society will be able to care for all us older people who aren't willing to just say "Yes, I'm getting old" and accept what past generation saw as a natural part of that process.

-don